Selected Articles from our
newsletter

The C.A.S.H. Courier

ARTICLE from the Fall 2009 Issue

Poachers - How To Stop Them

BY JOE MIELE

While hunters and hunting agencies claim that it is only the "few bad
apples" who are killing animals illegally (whether out of season, in numbers
greater than the allowed kill limits, dur­ing hours when hunting is not
allowed, in areas where hunting is prohibited, etc.), C.A.S.H. and those who
are immersed in the world of wildlife pro­tection believe otherwise. In
addition to compiling data on hunting accidents, C.A.S.H. also keeps an
archive of hunting violations .

Hunters kill wildlife illegally for many reasons. For some, killing
animals is a money-making pursuit. Others do so because they have an
insatiable desire to kill and to be violent against those who are helpless.
Some are so overcome by the rush they get when hunting that they will not
hesitate to shoot across roads or trespass upon private property lest they
miss an opportunity to blow off the head of an animal.

While wildlife agencies for the most part do what they can to enforce
state and federal wildlife laws, the num­ber of conservation officers in the
field is woefully inadequate to enforce the law. Given the enormous amount
of land area that conservation officers are responsible for covering, the
number of violations they prosecute is the mere tip of the ice­berg when it
comes to the number of ille­gal killings (and woundings) committed.

If you're aware of illegal wildlife killing, do not hesitate to report it
to your state enforcement agency. Wildlife agencies often pursue illegal
wildlife killers because the fines levied brings the agency much needed
income, and they are quick to quash behavior that makes hunters look bad.

It is important to take detailed notes:

What was the violation

When and where did it occur (coun­ty, township, road/highway)

What weapons or equipment were used

What vehicles or crafts were used (registration numbers are
important if you have access to them)

How many people were involved (names, addresses, physical
descrip­tions and clothing)

What evidence is still at the scene

Did the violator(s) take evidence of the crime with them

Which way or where did they go and how?

Providing these details to law enforcement agencies will give them the
best chance possible to track down and prosecute those who illegally kill
wildlife.